Community Running Calendar
If you would like to add a local running event to the calendar, please SUBMIT the event information. Allow up to one week for the review process.
The listing on this website of any non-LRC race event is provided solely as a service so that you are aware of area races. Listing the race in no way constitutes an endorsement or approval of the listed event, nor does it indicate LRC’s support for any specific charity or organization. You should independently evaluate the running event to decide if you want to participate.
Event Organizer
All
Achievement Academy
Alzheimer's Association
Bartow Coed Cheer
Bartow Medical and Fire Academy
Bartow Parks and Recreation Dept.
Bartow Rotary International
Bok Tower Gardens
Brandon Running Association
Breast Cancer Foundation of Central Florida
Children's Home Society
Church World Service
City of Bartow Parks & Recreation
City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation Dept
DR Media
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Emerging Leader Experience
Fitniche Events
Florida Polytechnic University
Friends of the Seminole State Forest, LLC
George Jenkins High School Band
Healthy Kids Running Series
Holloway Park Foundation
InnerAct Alliance
J5 Run for Recovery
Jenn's Journey & Habitat Health & Fitness
JohnJohn Sport LLC
Kappa Delta
Kipe Academy Incorporated
Lake Alfred Chamber of Commerce
Lake Gibson High School Future Educators Academy
Lake Wales Care Center
Lake Wales Family YMCA
Lake Wales Mardi
Lakeland Christian School
Lakeland Landsharks
Lakeland Linder International Airport
Lakeland Magic
Lakeland Police Foundation
Lakeland Regional Health
Lakeland Rotary
Lakeland Runners Club
Lakes Education Action Drive
Leading Edge
MADD Central Florida
March of Dimes
Michigan Running Foundation
Mulberry Chamber of Commerce
Noah's Ark of Central Florida
Peace River Center
PHEEL Good Foundation
Polk County Bully Project
Polk County Parks and Recreation
Polk County Sheriff's Office
Polk County Tourism & Sports Marketing
Polk Pre-Collegiate Academy
Polk Senior Games
Polk State College Foundation
Polk State College PTA and OTA Programs
PTSO of Lawton Chiles Middle School Academy
Red Tent Initiative
run4one
SOMOS Church
Space Coast Classic
SPCA Florida
St. Joseph Catholic School
Sun n Fun
The 4 Rotary Clubs of Lakeland
The Florida Run
The Junior League of Great Winter Haven
Ultra Ultras
University of South Florida Society of Women Engineers
USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation
WHAYS We Honor and Appreciate Your Service
Winter Haven Optimist Club
Winter Haven Police Department
Winter Haven Sun
march 2024
Event Details
Join us at Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, March 23 for a sunrise 5k that showcases the natural beauty of towering oak trees and the rolling
Event Details
Join us at Bonnet Springs Park on Saturday, March 23 for a sunrise 5k that showcases the natural beauty of towering oak trees and the rolling terrain of Florida’s Best Free Natural Attraction. Bonnet Springs is a beautiful blend of urban amenities in a natural setting. Race with us and then stay to explore all there is to offer in the 168-acre park.
New for 2024! A quarter-mile kids fun run will be held following the 5k. All kids fun run participants need to be onsite by 8:00 AM.
Walkers are welcome at this event. The Bonnet Springs Park 5k is held on a USATF-certified course (FL23012JK). The race is chip-timed.
Thank you to Valiant Products for their generous support; a donation from the 5k will benefit the Carol Jenkins Barnett Endowment at Bonnet Springs Park.
This event is limited to 800 participants.
IMPORTANT DATES
Mar. 1 – Last date to register to guarantee shirt selection
Mar. 9 – Price increase from $45.00 to $55.00
Mar. 19 – Online registration closes at 11:59 PM
Mar. 21 – Race Instructions Emailed
Mar. 22 – if the race is not sold out, walk up registration opens at 4:00 PM, $55.00 cash or credit
Time
(Saturday) 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Location
Bonnet Springs Park
Organizer
Lakeland Runners ClubThe Lakeland Runners Club, Inc. is a nonprofit organization and member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), whose mission is to promote running and fitness for runners of all ages and abilities in the community through fellowship, education and running events.races@lakelandrunnersclub.org PO Box 1484, Lakeland, FL 33802
april 2024
Event Details
Registration for the 2024 FCA Lead The Way 5K is OPEN! Join us April 6th on the beautiful trails at Holloway Park for a great race day! The FCA Lead The
Event Details
Registration for the 2024 FCA Lead The Way 5K is OPEN!
Join us April 6th on the beautiful trails at Holloway Park for a great race day! The FCA Lead The Way 5K will benefit students who are participating in the FCA Emerging Leader Experience. These students meet monthly to receive world-class Biblical leadership training that culminates in a four- day intensive with Student Leadership University. Your participation in this race will help these students reach their funding goals. Join us as we push back against poverty of vision, spirit, and opportunity in the lives of the next generation! The FCA5K will be held at Holloway Park in Lakeland, Florida. The course will have a wide start line that measures over 300 feet with course changes in elevation and partially covered and well-maintained trails.
Participants will receive a race packet, a shirt a finisher medal once they cross the finish line. Awards: Male and Female: Overall, Masters (40+), Grand Masters (50+) & 3 deep in the standard 5 year age groups: (9 & Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+)
Early Race Packet Pickup (TBD based on registrations) Saturday, April 6 – 07:00 AM – Race day Packet Pickup & Registration – 08:00 AM – 5K Gun start (All participants will receive the same Gun Start (Cross Country style timing. Chipped timed at the finish line) – 09:15 AM – Approximate time of Awards Ceremony
Earn Cash Back! Once you register, share the link in your email with friends and family and have them join you! Adults 18+ can earn $15 back once 5 registrations come in using your link before January 31! Students 8-17 can earn $10 back once 5 registrations come in using your link before January 31!
Time
(Saturday) 7:00 am – 9:15 am
Location
Holloway Park
2402 Holloway Park Drive, Lakeland, Florida, 33803
Organizer
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Emerging Leader ExperienceRebekah Firmin at Rebekahfirmin@gmail.com
Event Details
Please join Lawton Chiles Middle Academy PTSO as we present the inaugural Lawton Chiles Knights on the Run 5k on Saturday, Jan 27, 2024 at 8AM. Our PTSO assists with funding
Event Details
Please join Lawton Chiles Middle Academy PTSO as we present the inaugural Lawton Chiles Knights on the Run 5k on Saturday, Jan 27, 2024 at 8AM.
Our PTSO assists with funding special projects, programs, and curriculum within the school. With this 5k fundraising event, we are excited about getting the whole community involved by providing a fun, safe, healthy way to show support to the students at LCMA.
Time
(Saturday) 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location
First Presbyterian Church
175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. Lakeland , FL 33801
Organizer
PTSO of Lawton Chiles Middle School AcademyMindy – lcmaknightsontherun5k@gmail.com
Event Details
The Polk State College Physical Therapist Assistant and Occupational Therapy Assistant programs are hosting a 5K on the Winter Haven Campus to promote community wellness, raise awareness of the PTA
Event Details
The Polk State College Physical Therapist Assistant and Occupational Therapy Assistant programs are hosting a 5K on the Winter Haven Campus to promote community wellness, raise awareness of the PTA and OTA programs, and fundraise for the programs. A portion of the proceeds will go toward a developing community wellness program geared towards local families in need.
Time
(Saturday) 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location
Polk State College Winter Haven Campus
999 Avenue H N.E., Winter Haven, FL, 33881
Organizer
Polk State College PTA and OTA ProgramsMary Krell, Lucerito Gonzalez, or Regina Tino: pta@polk.edu , ota@polk.edu
Event Details
Prepare to gear up for the Sun ‘n Run road race taking place at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) on April 13th at 7 am, coinciding with the 50th annual
Event Details
Prepare to gear up for the Sun ‘n Run road race taking place at Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) on April 13th at 7 am, coinciding with the 50th annual SUN ‘n FUN Aerospace Expo. As you participate in the race, you’ll have the thrilling opportunity to witness the spectacular launch of over twenty (20) hot air balloons. The race route will wind its way down Runway 5/23, Taxiway A, and various interconnected taxiways and ramps, leading to the exhilarating finish line.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Women in Aviation Lakeland Chapter, Lakeland Linder International Airport’s Aerospace Administration Scholarship, and the Lakeland Aeroclub, a flying club dedicated to high school flying enthusiasts. Join us for what promises to be one of Florida’s most distinctive 5K race experiences! We eagerly anticipate your presence at the starting line!
Time
(Saturday) 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Location
Lakeland Linder International Airport – Airport Terminal
3900 Don Emerson Drive, Lakeland, FL 33811
Organizer
Lakeland Linder International AirportAmy Campbell at amy.campbell@lakelandgov.net
Event Details
Run Like You Care 10k, 5k and Kids Fun Run is a road race benefiting the Meals on Wheels program of Lake Wales Care Center. All proceeds allow for hot
Event Details
Run Like You Care 10k, 5k and Kids Fun Run is a road race benefiting the Meals on Wheels program of Lake Wales Care Center. All proceeds allow for hot meals, as well as smiles, to be delivered to the elderly and shut-ins of the community. Lake Wales Care Center is a faith-based community service organization that demonstrates Christ’s love by building bridges between people in need and people with a desire to serve. Registration includes Athletic Shirt, Finisher Medal, and Goodie Bag.
Time
(Saturday) 7:00 am – 10:00 am
Location
Shores of Lake Wailes
1100 N Lakeshore Blvd., Lake Wales, FL 33853
Organizer
Lake Wales Care CenterJolee Beamer jolee.lwcc@gmail.com
Event Details
Family-friendly 5k, 10k and half marathon trail races in beautiful Colt Creek State Park. The half-marathon is a UTMB qualifier. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or reveling in
Event Details
Family-friendly 5k, 10k and half marathon trail races in beautiful Colt Creek State Park. The half-marathon is a UTMB qualifier. Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or reveling in the joy of the run, our race at Colt Creek State Park promises an unmatched blend of fitness, camaraderie, and natural beauty. Picture towering pine trees, flat terrains, and serene lakes—all set against the backdrop of pristine wilderness.
Time
(Saturday) 7:00 am – 11:00 am
Location
Colt Creek State Park
16000 State Road 471 Lakeland
Organizer
The Florida RunJami @ thefloridarun@gmail.com
Event Details
NEW for 2024 – 5k course that hits a few different trails than the longer races! (limited to 50 runners) Both courses are challenging! With rolling hills that twist and
Event Details
NEW for 2024 – 5k course that hits a few different trails than the longer races! (limited to 50 runners)
Both courses are challenging! With rolling hills that twist and turn through an old abandon phosphate mine area. You will run down sand & dirt trails that have been crafted over the years to become the awesome Carter rd Moutain bike trails! We love to run these wild and fun trails and want to bring a race to other runners to enjoy! This is a great run to challenge yourself! 👍
Some areas will challenge even the best runners to break 10min pace. It’s a very fun course while also being very tough in the same breath. This is not an easy course!!!!!
I must stress…this is about as hard as it gets in Florida!
Limited to 150 runners for the 10/30/50k & 50 runners for 5k
Awards: Top 3 Overall M/F & 1st masters M/F
Everyone finisher will receive socks, finisher sticker & award
This will be the Funest 50k you will run, walk or crawl in Florida! (refer to definition of Funest in photos)
Again…This is a FUN but TOUGH course! You should carry a charged phone with you in case of injuries or you have a hard time following a clearly marked path with over 600 markers!
**$10 of each registration goes back to Polk Co Parks & Rec to help maintain the park!
Course
The course is a 10k loop / 3 loops for the 30k / 5 for the 50k
There is also a 5k course starting at the same location and splitting off at an early turn
Both courses are on the mountain bike trails of Loyce E Harpe Park
10 hour cut off = 19:20 pace
There will be HOT GRILLED burgers, hotdogs and quesadilla’s! Also electrolytes, soda and water at the start area and an aid station around the 3.5 mile point.
Start @ Pavilion near Entrance
Time
(Saturday) 7:30 am – 3:00 pm
Location
Loyce Harpe Park
500 W Carter Rd Mulberry, FL 33860
Organizer
Ultra UltrasJames Hurst – runJames42@yahoo.com
Event Details
About the Event Join with us to celebrate the 10th Anniversary Judd Jog 5k presented by Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. with all proceeds benefiting the United Way of Central Florida! The
Event Details
About the Event
Join with us to celebrate the 10th Anniversary Judd Jog 5k presented by Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. with all proceeds benefiting the United Way of Central Florida! The Judd Jog is a shining example of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens of our community coming together to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Time
(Saturday) 8:00 am – 11:00 am
Location
Polk County's Sheriffs Operation Center
1891 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Organizer
Polk County Sheriff's OfficeKayla Sullivan – ksullivan@polksheriff.org
may 2024
Event Details
Celebrate 45 years of the Mayfaire 5k Road Race and Walk with an evening run or walk on residential streets from downtown Lakeland through the historic Lake Morton district. This
Event Details
Celebrate 45 years of the Mayfaire 5k Road Race and Walk with an evening run or walk on residential streets from downtown Lakeland through the historic Lake Morton district. This event is held in conjunction with the Polk Museum of Art at Florida Southern College’s annual Mayfaire by-the-lake art festival and the event shirt showcases the work of the festival’s featured artist.
Walkers are welcome at this event. The Mayfaire 5k is held on a USATF-certified course (FL22015JK). The race is chip-timed.
IMPORTANT DATES
Apr. 19 – Last date to register to guarantee shirt selection
Apr. 26 – Price increase from $335.00 to $45.00
May 7 – Online registration closes at 11:59 PM
May 9 – Race Instructions Emailed
May 10 – Walk Up registration opens at 4:00 PM, $45.00 cash or credit
The first Mayfaire 5k was held May 5, 1980.
Time
(Saturday) 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Location
Lake Mirror Auditorium
121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
Organizer
Lakeland Runners ClubThe Lakeland Runners Club, Inc. is a nonprofit organization and member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), whose mission is to promote running and fitness for runners of all ages and abilities in the community through fellowship, education and running events.races@lakelandrunnersclub.org PO Box 1484, Lakeland, FL 33802
Event Details
About AnkleBiter 100k/50k/15k ARBUCKLE TRACT AT LAKE WALES RIDGE STATE FOREST Arbuckle Tract at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is a 13,530 acre property in Frostproof offering opportunities for long
Event Details
About AnkleBiter 100k/50k/15k
ARBUCKLE TRACT AT LAKE WALES RIDGE STATE FOREST
Arbuckle Tract at Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is a 13,530 acre property in Frostproof offering opportunities for long hiking excursions, equestrian trails and camping.
Arbuckle Tract occupies a high ridge of ancient sand dunes and contains fast-disappearing pine and oak scrub, a habitat that is home to Florida scrub-jays and gopher tortoises. Lake Arbuckle adjoins the area, and fishing and canoeing may be enjoyed on the lake year-round. This Tract is a Great Florida Birding Trail site. Short-tailed hawks may be observed on the Paula Dockery Trail, and at Lake Arbuckle visitors will see wading birds, bald eagles, limpkins and ospreys.
FOOD!
We will have our grills out and making food all day! Pancake breakfast! Hamburger, hotdogs, QUESADILLAS other meats (and some fake meats for those few of you) for lunch! Chicken and brisket for those in the 50k & 100k!
Aid Stations: Electrolytes, fruits, gels, and many more items to keep you functioning!
Race Info
100k – start 6am
50k – start 7am
15k – start 9am
Course Info
100k & 50k are 18+ mile loops
15k on a separate loop
Time
(Saturday) 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Location
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
499 School Bus Rd, Frostproof, FL 33843
Organizer
Ultra UltrasJames Hurst – runJames42@yahoo.com
Event Details
Run or stroll through Peterson Park in Lakeland to show your support and raise lifesaving funds for homeless animals.
Event Details
Time
(Saturday) 7:30 am – 10:00 am
Location
Three Parks Trail – YMCA
3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland, FL
Organizer
SPCA FloridaLisette Eljaiek leljaiek@spcaflorida.org
june 2024
Event Details
Let’s get #SweatyforScholarships Proceeds from the Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series goes towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Lakeland Runners Club has contributed to the
Event Details
Let’s get #SweatyforScholarships
Proceeds from the Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series goes towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Lakeland Runners Club has contributed to the PEF since 2012 – the list of scholarship recipients is available on the LRC website.
The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. The series has become an established venue for competition and an annual celebration of fitness. It continues to be popular with both experienced and casual runners alike. Many of the local high school cross country teams use it as a tune-up for their season. The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last. All are run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times.
The Summer Watermelon 5k is run on a certified course. All races are chip timed. Cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results.
The first series was run in 1996.
Time
(Saturday) 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Location
Lake Hollingsworth Park
929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803
Organizer
Lakeland Runners ClubThe Lakeland Runners Club, Inc. is a nonprofit organization and member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), whose mission is to promote running and fitness for runners of all ages and abilities in the community through fellowship, education and running events.races@lakelandrunnersclub.org PO Box 1484, Lakeland, FL 33802
july 2024
Event Details
Let’s get #SweatyforScholarships Proceeds from the Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series goes towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Lakeland Runners Club has contributed to the
Event Details
Let’s get #SweatyforScholarships
Proceeds from the Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series goes towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Lakeland Runners Club has contributed to the PEF since 2012 – the list of scholarship recipients is available on the LRC website.
The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. The series has become an established venue for competition and an annual celebration of fitness. It continues to be popular with both experienced and casual runners alike. Many of the local high school cross country teams use it as a tune-up for their season. The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last. All are run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times.
The Summer Watermelon 5k is run on a certified course. All races are chip timed. Cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results.
The first series was run in 1996.
Time
(Saturday) 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Location
Lake Hollingsworth Park
929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803
Organizer
Lakeland Runners ClubThe Lakeland Runners Club, Inc. is a nonprofit organization and member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), whose mission is to promote running and fitness for runners of all ages and abilities in the community through fellowship, education and running events.races@lakelandrunnersclub.org PO Box 1484, Lakeland, FL 33802
august 2024
Event Details
Let’s get #SweatyforScholarships Proceeds from the Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series goes towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Lakeland Runners Club has contributed to the
Event Details
Let’s get #SweatyforScholarships
Proceeds from the Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series goes towards scholarships for Polk County graduates administered through the Polk Education Foundation. The Lakeland Runners Club has contributed to the PEF since 2012 – the list of scholarship recipients is available on the LRC website.
The Summer Sunrise Watermelon Race Series was born out of a desire to have low-cost local races during the hot summer months when it can be hard to stay motivated. The series has become an established venue for competition and an annual celebration of fitness. It continues to be popular with both experienced and casual runners alike. Many of the local high school cross country teams use it as a tune-up for their season. The series is comprised of three 5K (3.1 mile) races, each race hotter than the last. All are run around Lake Hollingsworth, which is flat and conducive to fast times.
The Summer Watermelon 5k is run on a certified course. All races are chip timed. Cumulative results from the three races are used to determine official results.
The first series was run in 1996.
Time
(Saturday) 7:00 am – 9:00 am
Location
Lake Hollingsworth Park
929 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL 33803
Organizer
Lakeland Runners ClubThe Lakeland Runners Club, Inc. is a nonprofit organization and member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), whose mission is to promote running and fitness for runners of all ages and abilities in the community through fellowship, education and running events.races@lakelandrunnersclub.org PO Box 1484, Lakeland, FL 33802
september 2024
Event Details
The Leading Edge Take Heart (LETH) 5K is an annual event held in Lakeland, FL that makes a global impact in the lives of orphans and widows in rural Kenya.
Event Details
The Leading Edge Take Heart (LETH) 5K is an annual event held in Lakeland, FL that makes a global impact in the lives of orphans and widows in rural Kenya. Runners and walkers alike can make a difference together by participating in this family community event around Lake Hollingsworth on Sept. 28th!
Time
(Saturday) 7:30 am – 9:30 am
Location
First Presbyterian Church
175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr. Lakeland , FL 33801
Organizer
Leading EdgeMichelle Martin at michellem@leptclinics.com
november 2024
Event Details
The 10k is the oldest annual race in Polk County and runs through the Lakeland chain of lakes and historic Lake Morton district, encompassing three lakes during the course. The
Event Details
The 10k is the oldest annual race in Polk County and runs through the Lakeland chain of lakes and historic Lake Morton district, encompassing three lakes during the course. The Lake to Lake 10k is run on a certified course (FL19044TY). The race will be chip timed.
The Lake to Lake 10k was founded in 1977.
Time
(Saturday) 7:30 am – 10:30 am
Location
Lake Mirror Promendae
121 S. Lake Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
Organizer
Lakeland Runners ClubThe Lakeland Runners Club, Inc. is a nonprofit organization and member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), whose mission is to promote running and fitness for runners of all ages and abilities in the community through fellowship, education and running events.races@lakelandrunnersclub.org PO Box 1484, Lakeland, FL 33802